Sen. Charles Schumer urged the New York State Board of Regents to approve changes that would create two new pathways to high school graduation, equipping graduates with skills necessary for current and future jobs in New York.

The proposal, which the Board of Regents has been considering since April, will open up alternatives to the current graduation pathway.

The science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) pathway would eschew the U.S. or world history requirements and give students more science and math examinations. This will better equipped students for college or careers in STEM fields.

Additionally, a career and technical education (CTE) pathway would be available that would include all of the traditional courses, but would substitute the U.S. history and government test for a CTE examination.

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"As Upstate New York's economy switches gears towards the advanced industries of the 21st century, we need our students and education system to keep pace," said Schumer. "It is critical that young adults across the state are college- and career-ready to meet the demands and job availability of today's industries."

Schumer said New York has seen rapid growth in its specialized manufacturing, biotechnology and nanotech sectors, though residents seeking employment rarely meet the standards required for open positions.

According to Schumer, companies like industrial Support Incorporated in Buffalo and Thermold Corp in Canastota have many current job openings, are continuing to grow and have a dramatic need for people with skill-sets that the STEM and CTE pathways would provide, such as welders, mold technicians, machinists and electrical engineers.

Schumer highlighted current programs in New York that already fall within the constructs CTE.

Seneca-Tioga BOCES in Tompkins County offers a Cisco Career Certification Exam for students interested in computer systems and networking. The exam tests students on skills that can be applied to eight different career paths, such as network design and network security. This technical exam would fulfill the CTE examination requirement.

Another example is the aviation program at the Ulster County BOCES. Students are able to get a private piloting license after taking the program, avoiding around $7,000 in fees. With the adoption of CTE, programs like these may become more widely available in the state.

Schumer said he believes the creation of these pathways will create higher graduation rates and provide the skills necessary to compete in the current and coming job market.

"I hope that this plan will help reduce high school dropout rates by showing our kids a future in these careers," Schumer said.